Robert Hamme, 60, signed off on a plea deal Tuesday that will send him to jail starting next month. Hamme received the maximum five-year sentence. It will be diverted, but he will have to serve 60 days.

Kathy Stotts, whose dog was killed, was in court Tuesday. She teared up while recalling the proceedings and the loss of her family's 14-year-old beagle mix, Nibbles.

"I lost a family member, you know," she said.

But in July, Stotts -- while heartbroken over the loss of her dog -- did not over think it. Nibbles was 14 years old and X-rays revealed a stomach blockage.

Days later, the family's spaniel, Bolt, picked up a piece of meat. The meat was fresh and had been cooked. It had been dropped over the Stotts' fence.

"There was a razor blade that had been put in one piece, and in another piece there were nails," said Hardin County Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Chris McCrary.

McCrary prosecuted the case, promising the family that Hamme would serve time.

"When I met with them, they were concerned that because Nibbles was just a dog that maybe it wouldn't be taken very seriously, and I promised them we were gonna get justice for Nibbles," McCray said.

As part of the plea deal, Hamme will have to move and sell the Oriole Drive home at which he has lived for more than 20 years. He will report to jail on Jan. 12, once the sale of his home is final.

He received the maximum sentence of five years for the felony charge of animal torture resulting in serious injury or death, but under the plea agreement Hamme will serve two months.

"You're talking about a defendant, he's 60-some years old and had only had a speeding ticket before, but he needs to go to jail for doing something of this magnitude," McCrary said.

Stotts said Hamme apologized in court and even became emotional.

"He was crying, but I don't think he was crying for us. I think he was crying for himself," Stotts said.

The court has ordered Hamme not to have contact with the Stotts family or to own a pet during the five years he is on probation. He has also been ordered to pay restitution -- hundreds of dollars in veterinary bills.